Brandon Sklenar Hopes People Remember Deeper Meaning of ‘It Ends With Us’ Amid Legal Battle

The Drama Surrounding It Ends With Us: A Deeper Look
It Ends With Us, a highly anticipated film scheduled for release in August 2024, has been overshadowed by a legal battle involving its stars and director. The movie tells the story of Lily Bloom, played by Blake Lively, who navigates a domestically violent relationship with Ryle Kincaid, portrayed by Justin Baldoni. Brandon Sklenar, who plays Atlas Corrigan, Lily’s childhood love turned confidant, has found himself caught in the crossfire of the ensuing drama.

While speaking at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party, Sklenar expressed his hope that audiences wouldn’t lose sight of the film’s core message. “It’s about love and supporting women in general and helping people through tough times,” he remarked. His comments come amid a heated legal dispute between Lively and Baldoni, who not only directed the film but also stars alongside Lively. The actress filed a complaint against Baldoni in December 2024, alleging sexual harassment and a hostile work environment. Baldoni has vehemently denied these claims, filing two lawsuits of his own, including a $250 million suit against The New York Times for publishing Lively’s complaint in full and a $400 million suit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and her publicist Leslie Sloane.

The legal battle has drawn significant public attention, with both sides engaging in a war of words. Lively has enlisted the services of crisis manager Nick Shapiro, a former CIA official, to handle the communications strategy for her legal team. Meanwhile, Baldoni has taken a combative approach, suing both Lively and The New York Times. The case is set to go to trial in March 2026, though Judge Lewis J. Liman has indicated that the trial may be expedited if the public spat continues to escalate.

Sklenar, who initially showed support for Lively by sharing the New York Times article on his Instagram Story, has since sought to distance himself from the conflict. “I’m Team It Ends With Us,” he declared during an appearance on CBS Mornings. His focus remains on the film’s message, which he believes has provided solace and empowerment to many viewers.

The actors involved have been vocal about their stances. Lively and Baldoni, once collaborators, now find themselves on opposing sides of a legal and public relations battle. While Lively has maintained her allegations, Baldoni has denied any wrongdoing, painting the accusations as a smear campaign. The financial stakes are high, with hundreds of millions of dollars in damages being sought.

As the legal drama unfolds, fans and observers are left to wonder about the implications for the film’s release and the careers of those involved. The trial date of March 2026 looms large, and the outcome could have far-reaching consequences. For now, the spotlight remains on the fraught legal battle, as the parties involved prepare for what promises to be a contentious and closely watched trial.